Anheuser-Busch Announces Common Stock Split and Higher Dividends Increase.

Business Editors

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2000

August A. Busch III, Chairman of the Board and President of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., (NYSE:BUD) today announced that the Board of Directors has approved a two-for-one split in the company's common stock and a 10 percent increase in the quarterly dividend to 33 cents from 30 cents. This 3 cent increase compares to annual increases of 2 cents in the quarterly dividend since 1992. "The two-for-one stock split and the higher dividend increase are a reflection of the company's outstanding earnings growth results over the past seven quarters, our strong stock price performance and our confidence in the future growth and performance of the company," Mr. Busch said.

The new 33 cent dividend rate (on a pre-split basis) is payable on September 11, 2000 to shareholders of record on August 9, 2000. The two-for-one split of the company's common stock will be effective for shareholders of record on August 17, 2000. Certificates for one additional share of Anheuser-Busch common stock for each share held at the record date will be distributed to shareholders on September 18, 2000. Shares distributed for the stock split will not participate in the dividend payable on September 11, 2000.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., is the world's largest brewer and one of the largest theme park operators in the United States. The company is also a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and the world's largest recycler of aluminum beverage containers.

This release contains statements regarding the company's expectations concerning its future operations, earnings and prospects. These statements are forward-looking and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and accordingly, no assurances can be given that such expectations will be correct. These expectations are based upon many assumptions that the company believes to be reasonable, but such assumptions may ultimately prove to be inaccurate or incomplete, in whole or in part. Further information on factors that could affect the company's future operations and earnings is included in the company's Forms 10-Q and 10-K.

SOURCE: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.